Trash pickup changes week of July 4, 2007

Trash pickup will be delayed one day this week after the July 4 Holiday. Specific changes are:

-Wednesday trash pickup route will be picked up Thursday.

-Thursday trash pickup route will be picked up Friday.

-Friday trash pickup route will be picked up Saturday.

The recycling schedule will not be affected.

Operation Safe Community

Operation Safe Community is a partnership of a number of organizations and persons to reduce crime in Shelby County. As noted by one of the participants, criminals don’t recognize municipal boundaries.

Chair of the Committee is U.S. Attorney David Kustoff. Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell and District Attorney Bill Gibbons are actively involved (and I believe initiated Operation Safe Community). Representatives of Shelby County departments, all Shelby County municipalities, the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Memphis Tomorrow etc. are actively involved in the initiative so it is a program which may make a difference and be effective. Some action items have already been implemented.

Operation Safe Community has a number of priority action items and I believe it will make a difference. I am impressed by the action accomplished thus far and the continued interest in the organization and the implementation of the action items.

Detailed information is available at www.operationsafecommunity.org. Interested persons can sign up for E-mail updates etc. at this web site.

Proposed Sign Ordinance Amendments

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners is considering the following amendments to the Lakeland Sign Ordinance. This will be on First Reading at the BOC meeting on Thursday, July 5. Residents or Businesspersons with questions may contact Jim Atkinson at Lakeland City Hall with any questions, clarifications or comments.

Incidental Signs – Currently, incidental signs are permitted up to one square-foot with a maximum height of two feet. The proposed change would allow two square feet in area and three feet in height. Incidental signs are typically used for directional purposes, such as “entrance”, “exit”, etc. Incidental signs may not contain any commercial message.

Temporary Signs (banners) – Currently, each business is allowed one temporary sign permit for a banner each year and the permit is good for 30 days. The proposed change would allow three permits per year, good for 10 days each (30 days total per year).

Ground Sign – Currently, principle ground signs must be setback at least 20 feet from front property lines. The proposed change would allow a 10-foot setback.

Window Signs – Currently, window signs are not permitted. The proposed change would allow a maximum of 2 window signs per business not to exceed 10% of the total window area and be no larger than 20 square feet.

I emphasize these are staff proposals and may not be approved or may be revised prior to final adoption.

Jeffery Thomas

Jeffery Thomas passed on on Saturday, June 22, 2007 after collapsing while playing basketball.

He worked for the Lakeland Parks Department in the recreational program and maintaining and improving the City parks.

When I first interviewed him, he mentioned his goal of becoming a Coach. As part of the Lakeland Parks Department he was a Coach as well as a Referee for the Lakeland Recreation program.

Jeffery was talented and dedicated to improving the recreational program for Lakeland residents and especially enjoyed working in the recreational activities. I observed him over the time he worked for the City and noted his dedication and hard work, and, most of all, his pride in doing an excellent job.

The City Staff and children and parents who participated in the Lakeland Recreation Program will miss Jeffery.

Update on I-40/Canada Road Interchange

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) advised at a meeting with Lakeland City staff and engineering consultant on Monday, June 18, 2007 that both the Enhanced Diamond and the Single Point Urban Interchange designs are still under consideration.

TDOT advised that, if all performance factors are equal over a 20 year period, the more inexpensive Enhanced Diamond design would be selected. However, the City of Lakeland Transportation Consultant is submitting documentation showing that the Single Point Urban Interchange is more effective and will save money over the 20 year period and is worth the initial extra cost.

City staff also presented petitions with over 1,100 signatures (!) urging TDOT to select the Single Point Urban Interchange. (A big thanks to all the persons who spent a lot of time and effort in collecting signatures! Your support and work are appreciated and I believe it will be a factor in the final decision.) TDOT noted the petitions and letters were received and than recommended the City retain them.

We do definitely feel that TDOT has not yet determined the design and will consider all the facts before making a decision in the near future.

A TDOT representative also called me last week to remind me that TDOT will hold a Public Hearing after the design is selected. Even if the Enhanced Diamond interchange is selected, persons may still appear and recommend the Single Point Urban Interchange or recommend changes to the Enhanced Diamond design.

We will keep you advised of any news we hear on this matter.

Thanks for your Support!

984 signatures (letters and on petitions) have been counted as of 4:30 p.m. Friday in support of the “Single Point Urban Interchange” for the I-40/Canada Road interchange upgrade.

We expect the total signatures will top 1,000 by Monday.

We appreciate the support of area residents and especially the persons who dedicated a lot of time and effort in collecting signatures and passing out letters!

We expect that the Tennessee Department of Transportation will select a design in the near future. A Public Hearing on the design will be held after the design is selected.

Letters and petitions may still be turned into City Hall until approximately 10 a.m. Monday morning. City staff will take the petitions and letters to Nashville Monday afternoon for a meeting with TDOT as an indication of the support and concern for the Canada Roard/I-40 interchange.

Interchange at I-40 and Canada Road

What is a Single Point Interchange and why is it so important to Lakeland and residents of surrounding areas (anyone using or affected by this Interchange)?

Detailed information is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov on why the Single Point design is so important to Lakeland.

Downloadable petitions and sample letters are available at this website so you can support the Single Point design.

If you haven't already done so, I urge you to downloand a petition now and get signatures and/or download a sample letter!

All petitions and letters should be sent to Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002 so they are received by June 15, 2007.

Lakeland events-special thanks

The Lakeland Fishing Rodeo and the 30^th City of Lakeland Birthday Celebration was successful due to excellent and dedicated work by the staff and volunteers, including the Lakeland Park Board/Natural Resources Board.

We especially appreciate the efforts of Lakeland personnel, including

Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Brenda Lockhart

Recreation Coordinator Joy Cloud

Park Coordinator Dan Scott

Park Maintenance Jeffery Thomas

Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges

Natural Resources Technician Nick Bridgeman

As always, volunteers are especially important to Lakeland, and the members of the Lakeland Park and Recreation Board/Natural Resources Board contributed a lot of volunteer time and effort to making these events successful. Members include

John Ward (Chair of the Park Board/Natural Resources Board)

Commissioner Randy Nicholson

James Bacon

Bille Fae Horton

Anthony Neri

Clay Rogers.

I-40 Canada Road Action needed!

All residents of the area who are impacted by the I-40/Canada Road Interchange-We need your help!

The Tennessee Department of Transportation advised the City that a Public Hearing on whether the Single Point Interchange design or the enhanced diamond design is being selected. Instead there will be one more meeting with City staff only and TDOT.

THE MEETING IS JUNE 18, 2007. WE WANT TO BRING ALONG ALL THE LETTERS AND PETITIONS POSSIBLE TO INDICATE THAT EASTERN SHELBY COUNTY RESIDENTS (AND FAYETTE COUNTY RESIDENTS) WANT AN INTERCHANGE WITH THE "SINGLE POINT DESIGN" AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

YOU CAN HELP!

The information provided below is also at www.Lakelandtn.gov, as are Petitions and sample letters. Petitions and sample letters can also be E-mailed to you by contacting the City of Lakeland at CityHall@lakelandtn.org, faxed or mailed by calling 867-2717 or picked up at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee.

NOTE THAT PETITIONS AND LETTERS MUST BE RETURNED TO LAKELAND CITY HALL BY JUNE 15, 2007 TO BE DELIVERED IN PERSON TO THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ON JUNE 18, 2007!

ACT NOW!

PLEASE HELP GET THE BEST INTERCHANGE DESIGN AT I-40 AND CANADA ROAD.

1. Download the attached petition and get it signed by as many people and possible and return it to Lakeland City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 15. (Petitions will be at www.Lakelandtn.gov

Or

2. Download the attached letter, date and sign it and return it to City Hall, 10001 Highway 70 by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. (Sample letters will be at www.Lakelandtn.gov

Or

3. Write a letter to Mr. Degges at the address noted in your own words (handwritten is fine) and return it to City Hall, 10001 Highway 70 by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 15.

The mailing address for Lakeland City Hall is Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002.

We will handcarry all letters and petitions to Nashville on Monday, June 18, 2007 to personally deliver them to Mr. Degges at the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED!

Census Verfication Team in Lakeland starting today (Wednesday, May 30)

The State of Tennessee sends out a Census Verification Team to spot check the Census Data collected by the City.

They are in Lakeland today (Wednesday, May 30, 2007) and will shortly be verifying names and addresses in the following Subdivisions:

-Oakwood

-Stonebridge

-Plantation Hills

-Lakeland Estates

-Woodland Park.

They will be driving marked Tennessee State vehicles and wearing identification badges.

They may verify other subdivisions as needed.

Please call City Hall if you have any questions or desire additional information.

The Receptionist at City Hall will have a list of names if you wish to call and verify any name.

Mark Neel

We are sorry to hear about the recent passing of Mark Neel at the age of 45.

Mark Neel played a major role in Lakeland development as a Partner in the Partnership that developed Woodbridge Addition and the Oakwood Additions. He is a major influence on the development of Lakeland as a result of his involvement in these two subdivisons as well as other residential areas.

I was not surprised to learn from the story in the Commercial Appeal that Mark Neel had quietly used his own money and time in developing a youth sports complex without any publicity. His comment was "These kids need a chance".

I-40/Canada Road Interchange Action

Petitions will be available in the near future for residents to petition the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to schedule the Public Hearing on the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange. We understand this is the next step in the process.

The Lakeland Economic Development Commission recently discussed plans to encourage the Tennessee Department of Commerce (TDOT) to take promised action to have a Public Hearing "this Spring" in the I-40 and Canada Road Interchange.

At this time, priority is on requesting that the promised Public Hearing be held as soon as possible so the project can get started!

I understand a 30 day notice period is required before the Public Hearing is held. During this period the Lakeland Economic Development Commission will encourage all persons who use the Interchange to attend the Hearing and followup with written comments.

City Hall Entrance signs

I hope you have noticed the refurbished Lakeland City entrance signs! These signs are the result of a lot of work by a number of people! A lot more is involved in this than I realized. I encourage all residents to give a special "thank you" to Kathleen Brasfield, City Beautiful Project Coordinator, and Michael Brasfield, Project Leader, whose woodworking skills made salvaging the signs a reality.

Persons who worked on the sign project include:

Civic Club Members: Michael Brasfield, Margaret Brown, Bobbi Cornett, Mary Lou Shannon, Vi Flannagan, and Shirley Broom.

Lion's Club Members: Bert Faller and Bill Gibson.

Girl Scout Leaders: Barbara Ellacott, Melissa Skovdal.

Girl Scout Studio 2B Troop 392: Jordan Spegele, Ashley Wei, Laura Ellacott, Jessica Weaver, Emily Adkins, Brittani Craft, and Carlin Gray.

Brownie and Junior Troop 472: Jennifer Hopper, Sorina Skovdal, Rachel Crawford, Taylor Adams, Kyrsten Gray, Evy Montgomery, Nikki Adams, Andrea Crawford, Morgan Chinery, Kayla Johnson, Ana Cuesta, and Caitlin Cuesta.

In addition I want to thank the Public Works crew who installed the signs, James Riley, Joey Courtney and Nelson Hardaway and to Eric Bridges and Nick Bridgman for the landscaping around the sign on Canada Road (all of the signs are in the process of being landscaped at the appropriate time of year).

Our thanks to all of these residents who helped make Lakeland entrances more attractive!

Art in City Hall-Glenda Brown

Artist Glenda Brown has a special treat for persons stopping by Lakeland City Hall. She is the "Art in City Hall" artist this month and you will enjoy the outstanding portraits on display.

This is a show you will need to stop by, study and enjoy.

Lakeland City Hall is at 10001 Highway 70 in Lakeland. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Art may also be viewed during evening meetings.

Fountain at IH Club Lake

The new fountain is installed at the Lakeland at IH Club! It is an impressive sight! This is a combined community effort with contributions by the Lakeland Lions Club, Lakeland Funfest and the City of Lakeland. Another company contributed to the fountain, but wishes to remain anonymous.

It is on a timer and so is on from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stop by and take a look. Of course if you plan in attending the Fishing Rodeo this Saturday, you will have the opportunity to see it along with lots of fish!

Lakeland Memorial Tree Program

The Lakeland Natural Resources Department’s Memorial Tree Program is now available. A tree may be sponsored in honor or of in memory of a person selected by the donor, to commemorate individuals, families or organizations, or even to celebrate a special event such as a wedding, birth, birthday, anniversary or other special event.

A tree may be sponsored for a payment of $400. The Natural Resources Department will plant a tree from the Lakeland Tree Species Selection List (specific species may be requested and will be honored where possible), include an aluminum display with the type of tree, the donor and the person or event being commemorated. The tree will be guaranteed for five years and will be replaced for any reason within that five year period.

Additional information is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov or contact the Natural Resources Department at 867-2717. Brochures with an application are available at City Hall and will be e-mailed or mailed if requested.

Schedule Changes and Events

Schedule changes and special events over the next several weeks are:

-Monday, May 28, 2007: City Hall is closed for Memorial Day. Board of Commissioner Work Session is rescheduled to Monday, June 4, 2007.

-Saturday, June 2, 2007: 9:00 a.m. Fishing Rodeo at IH Park.

-Sunday, June 3, 2007: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. City Hall Park. 30^th Anniversary of incorporation of the City of Lakeland

-Monday, June 4, 2007: 6:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners Work Session (rescheduled from Monday, May 38)

-Thursday, June 7, 2007: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting rescheduled to Thursday, June 14, 2007

-Thursday, June 14, 2007: 6:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

I always especially recognize Memorial Day, probably because when I was a kid, we always went what (to me) was a relatively long trip to the cemetery to visit our ancestors and deceased family members.

The small town where the cemetery was located (Soldier, Kansas) always had a big Memorial Day dinner for the persons visiting the cemetery. They also provided the lunch etc. for funeral services.

My parents both rest at the Soldier, Kansas Cemetery and the residents of Soldier provided the lunch at their funeral services and I still enjoy their Memorial Day lunches when we visit on Memorial Day.

I am still impressed by the dedication of the residents of Soldier, Kansas over all these years where they still provide such a service to visitors.

I think one of the reasons I enjoy being a City Manager so much is that I have some strong memories of the small towns I visited when I was a child and I realize the impact of city services and facilities. In addition to the Memorial Day visits being one of my earliest memories, we were heavy users of the Holton, Kansas library, parks and recreational facilities when we came to town on weekly shopping visits. I still remember how well they were maintained and the true dedication of the librarians and park workers and I hope we leave similar memories for our residents and visitors.

Windward Slopes Park improvements starting

Windward Slopes Park improvements will begin in the immediate future. The project will include off-street parking, playground equipment, a pavilion, tennis courts and a “ball wall”. The alignment of the walking trail will also be adjusted to allow for the projects.

The project is expected to be completed no later than early Spring of 2008 and hopefully well before that. The park improvements are funded by the City of Lakeland and a grant from the Tennessee Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Recreation Educational.

Last Chance to count in Lakeland Census!

The current “Special Census” count of Lakeland’s population is now 10, 838! If you haven’t completed the Special Census form, the deadline is Tuesday, May 15 for you to be counted!

Census information requested is only the names of the persons in your household and the address. This may be called in to City Hall at 867-2717, e-mailed to CityHall@lakelandtn.org or a form may be downloaded at www.Lakelandtn.gov and faxed to City Hall at 867-2063 or bought by City Hall at 10001 Highway 70.

If you haven’t submitted your census information, make yourself count and send your information today!

We appreciate the efforts of all Lakeland residents who submitted census information. I also thank Lakeland City personnel Debra Murrell, Anita Hughes, Bristol Roberts, Joey Courtney, Nelson Hardaway, James Riley and James Roberts for their special efforts to assist in “making everyone count” in the 2007 Special Lakeland Census.

Lakeland over 10,000 Population

On Monday, April 30, the Special Census count totaled 10,044 Lakeland residents. Approximately 668 census forms have not been returned, but City personnel are making a final effort to count all Lakeland residents.

We appreciate the assistance of all Lakeland residents who have returned the Special Census forms or called/e-mailed in their household names.

It's not too late! If you haven't returned your Special Census form, you can still call 867-2717, e-mail CityHall@lakelandtn.org, or download a form from www.Lakelandtn.gov and mail, fax or personally bring in the form!

If you did not list all of the persons in your household, you also still can submit a corrected form.

Lakeland city personnel Debra Murell, Anita Hughes, Bristol Roberts, Nelson Hardaway, James Riley and Joey Courtney all worked hard on making the Special Census a success.